Water-Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan
SPEEDWAY TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES INCREASE IN WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES, LEADING TO HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN WATER-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE
Major capital improvements on deck for original water and wastewater plants that were built in 1950s and 1960s
The Town of Speedway announced today that the Speedway Town Council has approved an increase to water and wastewater rates to fund much needed capital improvements to its aging water and wastewater infrastructure.
The rate increase amounts to an additional $14.30 per month for Speedway residential users who use 4,000 gallons of water or less monthly. The increase takes effect June 1, with the first bill due in August. Speedway has not raised its rates since 2011.
In 2019, the Town began a thorough process of evaluating various water utility issues and developed a capital improvement plan to map out how it will reinvest funds in water-related infrastructure. The wastewater plant was built in 1954, with the water plant following in 1965. Both facilities are operating with the original equipment.
At the water plant, the rate increase will support updates to the existing well system; new wells; dam improvements; chemical treatment changes; improved operational processes; updates to the building facilities; and new water mains, valves and meters.
At the wastewater plant, the rate increase will support new boilers, pumps, and meters; improvements to electrical and safety measures at the lift station; a new lift station at Chapel Hill; and an overall upgrade to the plant’s life system.
The rate increase was introduced to the Speedway Town Council at its Jan. 10, 2022 meeting. Citizen comments were received from Jan. – March, with a public hearing on Feb. 28.
SPEEDWAY TOWN COUNCIL CONSIDERS WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE INCREASE TO FUND NEEDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Town, in consultation with Wessler Engineering, determined that there is a significant need to invest in capital improvement projects so that treating Speedway water and wastewater remains safe, reliable, and efficient. Capital improvement and asset management plans for water and wastewater have been developed to address concerns such as outdated equipment, creating more efficient treatment processes, securing capital assets, protecting environmental and natural resources, and maintaining local control of water and wastewater utilities.
A rate increase will be necessary to implement the recommended capital improvement plans and remain current with the costs of operating the water and sewage treatment processing plants, as well as the distribution and collection systems. The Town has not raised rates since 2011.
Under this proposal, the average residential ratepayer who consumes 4,000 gallons or less monthly will incur an increase of an additional $14.30 /month.
If approved by Council, this rate increase will be effective June 1, 2022. Customers would see the increase on the bill they receive in July, due in August.
To learn about the processing and testing that is conducted by Speedway Waterworks and the Speedway Wastewater Treatment Plant, tune into "The Speedway Water Cycle: From Creek to Creek" video at https://youtu.be/DQYhmYDuFgs
January - February
Customer comments are collected via in person, by mail, phone, email, and social media
Speedway Municipal Center, 5300 Crawfordsville Road, Speedway, IN
Council votes